Our best Christmas cookie recipes, winter drinks, crafts, and more!
| | | Thank you, Lacey Radebaugh in Pittsburgh, PA, for this week's cover image! | | Christmas is fast approaching, and, for most people, the holidays will look a bit different this year. Some traditions and many gatherings may not be possible, so how do you deck the halls and bring some much-needed joy to the season? Here are a few Almanac-approved ideas: |
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Make Christmas cookies. Better yet, get young ones in your household involved with our Christmas cookie recipes for kids.
Decorate, decorate, decorate. This is the year to go all out. You can even think about making your own décor, like this Cranberry Wreath, or trim the tree with these three-ingredient Cinnamon Ornaments.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice. The official first day of winter is December 21. Get outside, breathe the crisp air, and welcome in the new season.
Learn more about the plants of the solstice. Every ancient culture has its own myths about the shortest day of the year, but almost all held certain winter plants in high esteem as symbols of celebration and decoration. Consider incorporating some of these into your own holiday decorations.
Make a Christmas wreath. For materials, you can raid your own garden or acquire plants for a specific look or meaning!
Give Christmas cards to your neighbors, delivery people, and postal worker. A store-bought card is great, but you can also make your own!
Build and decorate a Gingerbread House! Doing it from scratch is a fun activity that allows you total control over your creation.
Make a traditional Yule log. Or, the edible version: a Bûche de Noël.
Treat yourself to a cocktail. Alcohol optional. Start with these classic winter drinks.
Host a virtual holiday party—a great way to enjoy that cocktail while safely getting together with family, friends, and coworkers! Activity idea: Christmas trivia! |
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Finally, many “wise men” (and women!) agree that the Star of Bethlehem was likely not a star at all, but perhaps a conjunction of bright planets—much like the celestial event that’s due to arrive during this year’s winter solstice. The 2020 Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn will happen on December 21 and be the closest such event since 1623!
As sure as the Sun will rise and set each day, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is here for you, now and always.
Your Friends from The Old Farmer’s Almanac |
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| “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” –Bob Hope (1903–2003), comedian, actor, singer, dancer, and author |
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